PARK
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT
OF ENGLISH
HS
8251 TECHNICAL ENGLISH
DEFINITIONS
1. What is it?
A
definition is a statement that says what something is.
A
definition is the explanation of a word.
A
good definition should be precise, accurate and it should identify the item you
are defining beyond any doubt.
Definitions
of terms are the foundations of technical writing.
2. Types of definitions
1. Informal definitions
2. Formal definitions (single
sentence definition)
3. Extended definitions
3. A. Informal definitions:
A definition placed
between commas or parentheses is usually known as informal definition. It is
also termed as parenthetical definition.
Examples:
1. Every batter hops
for a grand slam (four runs from one swing of a bat)
2. The viscosity
(thickness) of the syrup made it difficult to pour.
3. On an average day,
he was able to cut a card ( 128 cubic feet) of wood.
Characteristics:
-Low level need
-Low level of importance
-Brief- a word or a phrase
3. B. Formal definitions:
A
formal definition consists of three parts:
1. The term to be
defined
2. The class, group or
concept to which the term belongs
3. The unique
characteristics that distinguish it from all others of its class/functions or
uses/ specific details
TERM > CLASS > CHARACTERISTICS
Example1:
A resistor (term) is an
electronic device (class) that is
used in electronic circuits to oppose and control current flow
(characteristics)
Example2:
A conductor (term) is a device or material (class) that readily carries electricity, heat or
sound (characteristics
More examples:
1.
Define: solar cell
A solar cell is a
device which converts the energy of sunlight into electrical energy.
2. Define: camera
A camera is an
instrument that is used for taking photographs.
3. Define: endoscope
An endoscope is an
instrument that doctors use to look inside the body.
4. Define: star
A star is a celestial
body which appears as a luminous point in the night sky.
From
the above definitions a formula for definition (formal)- writing can be
arrived;
A+B+C = D
Where A is the term defined
B
is the class to which the term belongs
C
is the special characteristic (or) use of the term and
D
is the definition
Some more examples of a formal
definition (single sentence definition)
1.
Hammer
A hammer is a tool which
is used for breaking or driving nails into a surface.
2.
Gold
Gold is a bright yellow
metal that is used in making jewels. (Or)
Gold is a bright yellow
metal that dissolves in no acid but aqua regia.
3.
Brake
Brake is a mechanical
device that is used to stop running vehicles.
4.
Planet
A planet is a body in
space that goes round a star.
5.
Square
A square is a geometric
diagram which has four sides and angles of equal measurement.
6.
Catalyst
A catalyst is a
substance that makes a chemical reaction happen happen faster without being
changed.
7.
Lubricant
Lubricant is an oily
substance that allows machines to run smoothly.
8.
Microscope
A microscope is an
instrument which makes very small things appears bigger.
9.
Flow chart
A flow chart is a
diagram which shows the sequence of steps in a programme for solving a problem
on a computer
.
10.
Printer
A printer is a device
which can make copies of information from a computer.
11.
Computer
A computer is a machine
which can accept and process data and give an output of the result
Note:
1. A formal definition
is usually written in a single
sentence.
2. A formal definition
is otherwise known as a simple definition
3. A simple definition is written in a single sentence.
4. If the definition
exceeds more than a sentence, it becomes an extended definition
5. One final point to
remember in writing a formal/simple/sentence definition is to avoid using the
term, or any variations of the term, in the remainder of the definition.
WRONG:
A resistor is an electronic device that resists current flow.
In the above example,
find a synonym for resist, such as oppose or control.
RIGHT:
A resistor is an
electronic device that opposes current flow.
Sentence definition: (few more points)
-
Higher level need
-
Relatively important
-
A full grammatical sentence
-
Follows the pattern: term>class>characteristics
3. C .Extended definition:
-An extended definition
includes sentence definition followed by detailed presentation of additional
information relevant to the situation.
It can be paragraph or more than
one paragraph.
-When a term needs to
be explained in great detail and precision, an extended definition is used. It
can range in size from a few sentences to many pages.
-Extended definition provides more information
besides talking about the category and the use or function. It also provides
information on what it is made up of, its structure, its peculiar physical and
chemical properties, when, where and by whom it is used and its merits and drawbacks.
-Some objects or
concepts require more than a one-sentence definition. An extended definition
might require a paragraph or even several pages to fully define a complex
concept or object.
Extended
definition: key aspects
-
More than a dictionary definition
-
An in-depth explanation of an idea
-
A definition that includes examples and comparisons
-
More than a description
-
More like a complete picture of
something
An
extended definition includes a formal (sentence) definition + one or more of
the following:
-
Etymology ( origin & history
-
History and background
-
Negation
-
Operating principle
-
Visuals
-
Comparison and contrast
-
Requires materials or conditions
-
Examples
Extended definition: Examples
1.
Machine
A machine is an
apparatus using or applying mechanical power, having several parts, each with a
definite function and together performing certain kinds of work.
It is an instrument
that transmits a force or directs its application. It is a controlling system
of an organization,
2.
Group discussion
A group discussion is a
situation in which a small number of persons meet face to face and involve them
in free oral interaction, exchanging information on some important topic. It is
also meant to arrive at a decision or reach consensus or solve a problem. The number
of participants should be at least five to ensure the diversity of views.
3.
Cell phone
A cell phone or a
cellular phone is a telephone that does not have wires. It works by radio. One can
carry it anywhere and use it. It is also known as mobile phone.
It has several features.
ASSIGNMENT:
1.
Give sentence definition for the
following:
01. Petroleum 02. Solar cell 03.
Endoscope 04. Transformer 05. Planet
06. Ammeter 07. Coolant 08.
Laboratory 09 Water heater 10. Robot
11. Astronomy12. Circle 13. Conductor 14. M
obile
phone 15. Laptop
2. Write an extended definition for
the following:
01. Group work 02. Global warming 03.green house 04.printer
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